FC Tucson 0-2 Houston

February 10, 2014

Club downed by two highlight-reel goals

By H. Jose Bosch

FC Tucson continued its good form against MLS clubs despite ultimately falling to the Houston Dynamo 2-0 in preseason play.

Houston began with a starting XI that Dynamo fans will likely see on opening day of the 2014 season but FC Tucson played strong, holding Houston scoreless for nearly all of the first half. A 30-yard Brian Ownby goal just before the halftime whistle blew was the only defensive blemish.

FC Tucson had its best chance to score in the 63rd minute after Houston goalkeeper Mike Lisch took down FC Tucson midfielder Jason Romero in the box. Romero took the ensuring penalty kick, but Lisch made a low diving save to his right to keep the Dynamo’s clean sheet intact.

The Dynamo added to its lead in the 83rd minute when Omar Cummings scored a 30-plus-yard goal of his own, giving Houston two highlight-reel goals for the match.

FC Tucson’s best attacking play came in the first half after spending the opening minutes of the match stuck in their own end.

In the 22nd minute, FC Tucson struck on the counter following a botched Houston corner. Martino Rapella wound up with the ball streaking down the right side of the pitch before he sent a cross into the box toward Saeed Robinson. His first touch was off and all Robinson could do was send a weak shot toward Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall.

Over ten minutes later, another ball crossed into the box found Robinson, but he mis-touched it again and then pushed a shot wide left.

The match was FC Tucson’s second of the preseason. They fell to Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in their first match.

FC Tucson will participate in the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup for the first time ever beginning next Wednesday, February 19 with a match against Chivas USA at 1 p.m.